EIB Survey: 85% of French Say Energy Transition Is Urgent

An overwhelming 85% of French people consider the energy transition urgent, with reducing dependence on imported fossil fuels and lowering energy costs emerging as their leading priorities, according to the European Investment Bank's (EIB) eighth Climate Survey. Published on 5 November 2026, the findings show that 79% of French respondents expect the transition to reduce dependence on imported oil and gas, 74% anticipate more stable or lower energy prices, and 70% want it to slow climate change. The survey also found that rising energy prices have significantly reduced the purchasing power of 66% of respondents over the past year.

Conducted by Ipsos bva among 23,000 people across all 27 EU member states, including 1,000 respondents in France, the survey highlights the growing importance of energy security and affordability in public attitudes towards decarbonization. France's 85% support for urgent action exceeds the EU average of 75%, while the country's experience of climate-related financial losses is also among the highest in Europe.

 

Energy Independence Overtakes Climate as Leading Priority

 

Reducing reliance on imported oil and gas has become the most frequently cited expected benefit of the energy transition in France, replacing climate change mitigation as the leading priority recorded in the 2022 survey. This reflects a broader European shift, with energy independence now ranking first in 16 EU member states, compared with eight in 2022. Lower or more stable energy prices rank first in another eight countries, while slowing climate change leads in three.

Concerns about delaying the transition are similarly concentrated on affordability and energy security. Around 79% of French respondents believe insufficient progress could lead to higher long-term energy prices and living costs, while 73% identify continued dependence on imported fossil fuels as a risk. EIB Vice-President Ambroise Fayolle said, "With its low-carbon electricity and growing renewables, France is well placed to contribute to Europe’s energy autonomy."

 

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Rising Energy Prices Reshape Household Spending

 

The survey found that 66% of French respondents experienced a significant reduction in purchasing power due to higher electricity, gas, heating and vehicle fuel prices over the preceding 12 months, compared with 60% across the EU. About 45% reported reducing spending on food or healthcare, while the same proportion reduced household heating. Another 14% said they had accumulated debt, sought financial assistance or delayed paying an energy bill.

Transport behavior has also changed. Nearly seven in ten French respondents reported adjusting their car use because of rising fuel costs. Some 36% reduced journeys for essential activities, 41% abandoned leisure or family trips, and 31% began driving more slowly to conserve fuel, the highest proportion recorded among EU countries. These findings illustrate how energy affordability is affecting household expenditure and mobility decisions.

 

Solar and Nuclear Energy Lead French Preferences

 

Support for low-carbon energy remains strong, with 88% of French respondents favoring its prioritization. Solar energy received support from 45%, closely followed by nuclear energy at 44%, significantly above the EU average of 28% for nuclear power. Wind energy was selected by 19%, placing France among the EU countries with relatively low stated preference for wind.

The survey also highlights support for European clean technology manufacturing. Around 57% of French respondents would prioritize building a competitive domestic European clean technology industry, even if it slowed deployment, compared with 29% favoring faster adoption using imported equipment. Additionally, 52% supported pooling financial resources across EU countries to fund energy transition investments.

 

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Extreme Weather Adds Financial Pressure to Climate Concerns

 

France recorded the highest proportion of respondents reporting personal financial losses from extreme weather among EU member states. About 38% said floods, heatwaves, or other extreme weather events had cost them money over the preceding five years, compared with an EU average of 23%. Climate change was also identified as one of the country's three greatest challenges by 43% of respondents, ahead of security concerns but behind the cost of living.

The findings suggest that French public expectations increasingly connect climate action with immediate economic concerns. The survey indicates strong demand for policies that reduce fossil fuel dependence, strengthen domestic clean energy industries and protect households from rising costs. However, it measures public attitudes rather than predicting the financial or environmental outcomes of specific energy policies.

 

Source: European Investment Bank